Bhubaneswar: In a significant development for Odisha’s startup ecosystem, seven startups from the state have collectively secured Rs 35 crore in funding under the Government of India’s Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme.
The information was shared by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Jitin Prasada during a Lok Sabha session on Tuesday.
In a written response to a question from Bolangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Union Minister Jitin Prasada stated that Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) under the FFS have supported seven startups with investments totaling approximately Rs 35 crore as of June 30, 2025.
The investments span key districts such as Cuttack, Khordha, Rourkela, and Ganjam, underscoring the Centre’s push to support entrepreneurial activity beyond metro cities. The FFS, launched under the Startup India initiative, is aimed at boosting venture capital availability for innovative and high-growth startups across India.
To further nurture the startup landscape in Odisha, the government has been organising outreach activities including mentorship workshops, pitching sessions, and bootcamps, particularly in urban centres like Bhubaneswar. Efforts are also underway to empower first-time fund managers and promote regional startup development.
Parallel to funding initiatives, the Centre is encouraging e-commerce adoption among MSMEs in the state through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The Ministry of MSME’s TEAM scheme is helping small enterprises transition to digital platforms by offering support in cataloguing, logistics, and packaging.
Additionally, digital literacy and training programs are being implemented to prepare local MSMEs for the evolving digital economy. Tools like the Digital Readiness Assessment, developed with the Quality Council of India, are enabling businesses to enhance their online presence and capabilities.
Odisha is also gaining from broader national infrastructure programs such as the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy. These initiatives are aimed at streamlining logistics and reducing operational costs for businesses in both digital and physical marketplaces.
